How to Build Career Network Connections

Any successful career is built on relationships with clients, colleagues and mentors. Your network of industry connections can help you find new positions, point you in the right direction for your next career move and help to keep you ahead of the curve in your own industry.

Things You'll Need

• Business card
• Pen
• Stationery
• Resumé

Instructions

Build a Bridge of Connections to Further Your Career

1. Build a good foundation by maintaining ties with the people who have helped you along your early career path. This can include people such as instructors and professors from college, your first boss and classmates who have gone on to work for other companies in your industry.

2. Keep in touch with people even when you are not in your hour of need. A simple call or email from time to time to catch up is all that it takes to keep your connections with old and new contacts fresh. After all, people are more likely to lend a helping hand to someone they feel is not always on the take.

3. Give what you expect to get. Maintain your network of connections by offering your assistance where it's needed or helpful. Though it's true that you may not be in a position to help someone get hired, you may be able to offer advice about places to live or school programs in your city or hometown.

4. Get people talking about themselves. By asking insightful questions about someone's career path or interests within the industry, you can build a stronger relationship with your networking connection. You may also hear some very helpful advice to guide you along your chosen career path.

5. Show some follow-through by penning a note or thank-you card when a contact provides you with helpful information. Though your note should be brief, its sincerity can make a lasting impression on the receiver, building an even stronger network of connections to draw upon when the time comes.

6. Be assertive, but not overly so. If a contact mentions a job opportunity, follow up by submitting a resumé that suits the position. Make sure you also find out who will be reviewing your submission and how you should follow up on the job inquiry.

Tips & Warnings

• The appearance of your business card says a lot about who are as a professional. In many networking situations, this card will be the first impression you make on a new contact. Keep its design clean and simple and use quality card stock for printing.